Building Needs

It is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees to make sure Bixby Library receives the upkeep necessary for it to be preserved as a historic building and function as a public facility. The following have been defined as in need of attention or as desirable long term goals.

Our Chimney and Roof Parapet are Both in Need of Repair *

Chimney mortar is deteriorating, allowing water leakage.

The chimney needs to be rebuilt using existing/matching brick.

Parapet stones need to be re-seated; some joints need to be re-sealed.

* Preservation: In 2005 architect Thomas Keefe, from Keefe & Wesner Architects PC, conducted a preliminary diagnostic assessment of the building. This building preservation item was identified in that report.

Sash Conservation *

Our 57 windows are in need of re-caulking, scraping and repainting. This project completed in 2014

Windows in the main stacks and on the mezzanine were caulked, scraped and painted. Windows on the west side of the building at the museum level were caulked, scraped and painted in fall 2010. The windows on the back north side of the building were caulked, scraped and painted in the summer of 2013.

The original metal grating over the front door was refurbished by Peter Welch and Derek Cohen and woodwork refinished by Jeff Tweedy.

* Preservation: In 2005 architect Thomas Keefe, from Keefe & Wesner Architects PC, conducted a preliminary diagnostic assessment of the building. This building preservation item was identified in that report.

Front Entrance Egress and Repair

The front doors need to be “turned” to open outwards. The current configuration limits public use of the building for large gatherings.

The item above was completed in 2010.

The front doors require minor repair. *

The front doors were repaired and sealed by Jeff Tweedy in the summer of 2013.

Entryway floor tiles need repair & replacement.

The inside vestibule French doors will need to be " turned" outward. The French doors were repaired and refinished by Jeff Tweedy

These items are both safety and preservation concerns.* Preservation: In 2005 architect Thomas Keefe, from Keefe & Wesner Architects PC, conducted a preliminary diagnostic assessment of the building. Door repair was among the preservation items identified in that report.

Porch Repairs

Railing height needs to be extended to meet code in order to allow public use of the porch.

Porch woodwork require repairs and repainting.*

The Porch woodwork was completed in 2010.

* Preservation: In 2005 architect Thomas Keefe, from Keefe & Wesner Architects PC, conducted a preliminary diagnostic assessment of the building. The woodwork repair and repainting was identified in that report.

Exterior Rear Stairs to Basement Need Replacing

The existing stairs are uneven and steep. The concrete is in poor condition.

The open stairway allows water/snow to collect at the bottom, as well as contributing to the poor condition of the concrete. This stairway is a secondary access/egress for rental space in the basement.

. The stairs were replaced and installed new railings after improvements were finished to the drainage system in 2013.

Lobby Columns Need Repair/Conservation

The columns in the lobby are showing wear and need repairs to their exterior surfaces. This is both a cosmetic and a preservation repair.

Long Term Facility Needs

Installation of an elevator and outside stairway would allow full access to all areas of the building. Current access and egress do not meet code for large gatherings, limiting public use of the building.

Architect Peter Morris has developed a plan for the Trustees that addresses this issue without compromising the visual impact and historic nature of the building. The plan also includes additional ADA bathroom facilities, reconfiguration of the office and work areas, and full code compliance for safety in all areas of the building.

This preliminary work was made possible through grants and generous donations of both time and money.